“Word of God!” – 1 Thes. 2:13, 19-20
Paul was writing with thanksgiving and joy in his heart. His concern for his friends and believers in Thessalonica, who he had led to Christ by the power of the Spirit, had been answered with wonderful news. Timothy, who Paul sent to check in and care for the Thessalonians because of Paul’s concern for their spiritual welfare, had brought back a glowing report of their faithfulness, good works and strong faith.
Hearing this news, Paul praised God that this young church had received the Word of God and the Word was at work in their heart. As he encourages, directs, compliments and builds trust, Paul answers their questions of faith. They were being persecuted and members were dying. Why had Christ not returned? Paul reassures them that the Lord Jesus is coming and in doing so reassures us. The promise of the Word is true: Immanuel was born, lived, died and rose again, is with us now and will come in His glory. Alleluia, amen.
Question of the week: Why did Paul leave Thessalonica so quickly after so many had responded to the Spirit through his testimony and believed in Christ as their Savior?
Answer: Simply put, Thessalonica became a very dangerous place for Paul. In Acts 17:5,10 Luke writes, “… But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot … That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea.”
Orphan Grain Train Christmas Love Gifts
Grant Schmidt, Vice President of Orphan Grain Train, has announced a Christmas Gift Outreach Ministry of Orphan Grain Train coordinated with churches. Word of Life has been selected by Orphan Grain Train as a church to designate recipients to receive this Christmas gift. Contact pastor or Grant for more information.
Family Life Minister – Larry Biel
A Family Life Minister is trained to help families of all descriptions to grow in faith and function as part of the body of Christ. Family assessment opportunities are made available to help families set and reach their goals. A family is defined as an individual or a group that lives under one roof and can includes a wide range of needs within their lives from the cradle to the grave. Activities and programs are made available at church and in the home to provide families with the tools needed to move forward in their faith journey. Larry Biel received his Master’s in Family Life Ministry from Concordia University, Seward in 2004 and is willing to aid your family with some of the questions, concerns, and desires you may have for your family.
